The Ecuadorian Amazon occupies 120,000 km2, which is just under half of the total area of the country; however, it is only 2% of the total area of the Amazon basin .
It stands out not only for its diversity of plant and animal species but also for the cultural richness of its indigenous peoples .
The Ecuadorian Amazon Region mainly includes the Upper Amazon. There, at heights of 200 to 6,000 meters above sea level, temperatures range from 24 to 9 degrees C.
Satellite map of the Cuyabeno fauna production reserve and the Yasuní National Park. amazon ecuador
Exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon is a unique experience, especially for those who love nature and extreme adventures. Join us to discover the hidden treasures of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Amazon Provinces
The Región Amazónica Ecuatoriana (RAE) is made up of six provinces: Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora Chimchipe. Each province boasts impressive vegetation typical of humid tropical forests.
The most populated provinces are Morona Santiago (capital Macas) and Sucumbios
(capital Nueva Loja). The largest provinces are Pastaza, with an area of 29,520 km2, and Morona Santiago, with an area of 25,690 km2. The most important cities are Nueva Loja, Coca, Puyo, and Tena.
Cultures of the Ecuadorian Amazon
The Ecuadorian Amazon is rich in ancestral culture. Discover its ethnic groups, typical food, climate, tourist places, and more
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The largest nationalities are the Amazonian Kichwas. These indigenous people live in the provinces of Pastaza and Napo. They speak the same language as the Kichwa/Quichua people of the Sierra, but they have different customs and ways of life (See: Indigenous Languages ).
The different ethnic groups and their territories are as follows: the Shuar and the Achuar are in Morona Santiago and Pastaza; the Siona-Secoya live in Sucumbíos; the Huaorani occupy the land between Orellana and Pastaza; the Cofán are in Sucumbíos; and the Záparo live in Napo.
Ecuadorian Amazon and its flora and fauna
The Ecuadorian Amazon has abundant and diverse flora, and it is home to no less than 5% of the planet’s plants.
Experts have registered 8,200 species of vascular plants of which 15% are endemic.
Similarly, there are some 538 species of fish in Amazon rivers. Four hundred and seventy-three species of fish have been counted in the Napo River alone.
The amazing biodiversity of the region includes endemic wildlife: 7 species of mammals ; 15 species of birds ; 100 species of reptiles; and 136 species of amphibians. Areas of endemic fauna are located in the Napo River basin and in the montane forests at the foothills of the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Chain).
Rivers of the Ecuadorian Amazon
The Amazon basin is formed by the influx of numerous rivers that rise in the eastern Andes mountain range and in the Amazon mountain range. These rivers are characterized by being mighty and navigable in most of their course.
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The longest and most important river is the Napo River. It runs through the provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, and it receives its water from the Coca, Aguarico, and Curaray rivers.
The Pastaza river, also known as the Cutuchi or Patate river, flows into the Marañón River and the Santiago River. The Namangoza and Zamora rivers also flow into the Marañón River.
How to go to the Amazon?
Ecuador is made up of hills that originate in the eastern Andes and descend to the Amazonian plains.
It is a relatively short and easy travel from the Andes to the Amazon. The Amazon is approximately 6 hours from Quito.
Amazon attractions
An important attraction to enjoy when visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon is the Cuyabeno Reserve which is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is in the provinces of Pastaza, Orellana, and Napo.
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Misahuallí Port, known for its white sand beach, is 30 minutes from the city of Tena in Napo province. It is considered the Forest Gate because many expeditions to the bottom of the Amazon start in Misahuallí.
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The Amazon in danger
Ecuador is one of the 17 countries in the world with biological megadiversity because of the Amazon; however, rapid colonization of the region is endangering this enormous biological wealth.
The growth of the oil industry in the region has stimulated a colonization policy aimed at converting Amazonian land into agricultural land, and the State finances the development of roads and basic infrastructure.
Although government’s concern for the environment, conservation, and sustainable development has increased, much of the Amazon is subjected to extractive activities. More recently it has suffered great damage from the fires.
The fires in the Amazon have captured the world’s attention. Between January and August 2019, the number of fires increased by 145% compared to the same period in 2018. It is estimated that one million hectares have been consumed by flames.
Tourism is a beneficial source of income because it takes the pressure off typically environmental destructive activities such as mining, illicit crops, livestock, the illegal logging industry , the hunting and indiscriminate fishing. However, travelers need to be aware that their behavior in the jungle can also be harmful to the ecosystem.
Do not leave garbage or plastic. Do not feed animals, and please treat indigenous peoples , their beliefs, and culture with respect. These are some of the minimum recommendations for entering wildlife sanctuaries and scared spaces.
Other Amazon countries
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The Colombian Amazon Rainforest: majestic refuge of nature and culture
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Brazilian Amazon Rainforest
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Venezuelan Amazon Rainforest
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Bolivian Amazon Rainforest
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Peruvian Amazon Rainforest
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